Elevator.



i). D. SEEBERGER.

w@ y MQVWMMf C. D. SEEBERGER. ELEVATOR. APPLICATION min MAR.6.1908. Rewiwiu Dic. 20,1915.

lntmltod Maly 30, 1916.

l SHEESWSHEET 2` C. D. SEEBERGER.

ELEVATOR. APPLICATION HLED MAR. 6. 1908. RENEWED DEC. 20.1915.

Patented Maly 50, lfl.

8 SHEETS-SHEET m @ai C. D. SEEBERGER.

ELEVATOR,

APPUCATION m50 MAR. 6. i908. aENEwEn DEC. 20. :915.

Patented May 30, 1916.

8 SHEE l'S-SHET 4- 1Min? ai" -iiiiiill G. D. SEEBERGEK LEVATOR.

AFPLCATION HLED MAR. 6, |908- RENEWEU DEC. 170, H715.

latented May 30, 1916.

l Horn Mja Di SEBERGER.

(LEV/NOR.

Avaucmon miv mm. a. wm. HENLWEU DEC. 2o, |915.

1 ,1 851248 Patented Muy 30, 19H5.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

I. D. SEEBEREH,

ELM/MOR.

APPLICATION min MAH, e, mu, Rwwaf Dsc' @Humm/oc a Hormnjo CHARLES D. SEEBERGER, UTE NEYV YORK, N. Y.

ELE'VT lt.

"W Speccatien of Letters Patent.

Patented May 30, 1916.A

Original application lee June 8, 3.896, Serial No. 594,53?. Divided and this application llet Hatch 8,'

' 1908, crial No, 419,492.

, To all'whom it may concern Be it known that I, CHARLES D. SEE- mzaonn, a citizen of the 1United States, and residing at New York, N. Y., have invented certain new and useful Improvements .in Elevators, ofwhich the following is a speciication.

This application is a division of my pending application, Serial Number 594,537,5led June 6, 1896.

This invention is designed to remedy certain defects incident to ordinary elevating apparatus, to which end I provide a. plurality of cages, and separate, independent hoisting mechanisms operated Yeither from one or several sources of power, but in such manner that the movement of each cage is independent of that of the other cages. Each" cage may stop only for the. leaving ol'l' or on of its own passengers and is not affected by the stoppages of the other cages of the system except that when one cago approaches within a predetermined distance of the next preceding cage the said first cage shall be automatically checked until. the two cages regain their normal distance apart.

ln the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic front elevation of a forni of construction and arrangement in connection with which my invention may be emn ployed; l*`ig. 2 is a side elevation; Fig. 3 is a plan View of hoisting, shifting and counterbalancing and distancing mechanisms which may be employed at the head of the shafts in carrying out my invention; Fig. 4 is a. sideelevation of the structure of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a, sectional View f the same y shown on the line of Fig. 4; Fig..6 a

detail plan of part of thc actuating appar ratus; Figs. 7 and 8 transverse sectional elevations on the lines 7-T, 8 8 Fig. o; Fig. 9 arf enlarged central section through one of the cages and the well showing mainly parts of the control appliances; Fig. 10 an enlarged detail showing thel construction of the operators controlling mechanism upon the cage; Fig. 1l a side elevation of the operating lever employed in connection with one character of control and. distancing mechanism;l Figs. 12, 13 and 14 are top plan views of starting and clistancing appliances as arranged on different cages of the system, the cages all being to Serial No. 67,951.

be ascending in the same well; Fig. 15 a cross section on the line 15 15, Fig. 14.

This application relates to the invention broadly as adapted for use wherever a 'pluraiity of cages or cars are to be carried independently in one shaft in different directions, and prevented from colliding by controlling the stationary actuating mechanism.

I shall describe one system of construction and arrangement which I have devised whereby the principles of my invention may be carried out; l do in no way however limit 66 my invention to this or any other particular y form since the principles of my invention are. applicable to this and to many other forms of construction and arrangement .materially differing in all other details.

The travel/ng cages and .supporta- As illustrated diagrammatically in Figsfl and 2, there are three traveling cages AVA', A?, which may be of any suitable construction In the arrangement shown the cars or cages 76 are in two separate shafts, with cages reciprocating independently therein It will be understood however that the means described are adapted to multiple cage systems of different characters. Each cage 1s sup- 80 ported at each side by means of across-bar u, o or 0,2, from two endless cables orsuspensories at opposite sides of the shaft' to which the ends of the cross-bars are connected, said cables passing 'around suspension and driving pulleys at the to of the Well on both sides, and around gulde-pulle s at typolthe bot-tom oi the Well, and each pair o len/s independent' of the others so that each pair of cables and the cage connected there- 9D with may be independently operated. Referring to the particular construction shown the. ends of the cross-bar a of the cage A are secured to the hoisting cables B, B, one.

at the beek and the other at'the front of the 95 elevator shaft or well; similarly. those of the cross-bar a are securedto theY hoistingV cables B', B', and of thecrssbar a? to the hoisting cables B2, B2. The cables B, B',` B3, at the back of the shaft or htch-Way 10 pass over the sheaves b, 5', b2, at the top of the shaft and at the rear thereof,'and the front cables pass over the top sheaves b3, b4,

5"', at the front of the shaft, while both Sets of cables pass also around the lower guide 1053l sheaves t, if, bs, b9, b1", b? at the bottomof the shaft. The hoisting sheaves are mounted to be driven each pair iiidepcndently of the others. as by means of concensurface Q of the mutilated beveled gear 21- opposite the gear 22 when the cage is movtric shafts and by any suitable operating ing in either direction, any movement of L: appliances, as hereinafter described. and by the rotation of the said shafts in one direction or the other the cages may be. carried l one affter the other` or rcciprmated 1n each or eithei' shaft. and stopped and started inl .'10I dependently. 'ith the cages si-ispended to fully deSCll'lled.

. run independently in the shaft are. combined suitable hand-controlled devices whereby the hand-wheel arising from the movement of the cage in respect tothe control cable is avoded. The articular operations-of the control 'iiechanism in controlling the-hoist-v ing mechanism will be hereinafter more The suspcnso'ry YOu/)ling mechanism. 'l'he particular form of hoisting mechanism the Operator in each cage can start. stop and lltli Set fol'tll iS deYiSed fOl Se ill NH11100- 7 reversethe moi ement of the saine. and while. tion with hoisting sheaves having concentric j it will-be evident that the usual operating shafts. 'lhus iii the bearings of the frame 5 j engines may be employed for actuating the C. C', is mounted the hollow' shaft D, upon l hoisting devices. and that various hand-con-V f trolled means may be used to control the l engines from the cages, I have. shown my #0 improved apparatus in connection with coni' trol and operating devices of a particular character which I will now severally describe.

, Caf/e control means-Hthin the shaft Within the hollow shaft D is mounted a second hollow shaft D', upon the end of which is keyed the sheave b', and within the hol- SJ' low shaft D is mounted the third shaft D2, upon the outer end of which is keyed the sheave b2. Upon the remaining ends of the three shafts D, D, D2, are keyed beveled the outer end of which is keyed the'sheav'b w' that cage and which is adapted to be actuated by the said rollers when they are rotated. The shaft 11 can be adjusted transversely to or from the shaft 13 by mounting 50 the shaftlel in a guide slot 17, in which it is adjusted by the set screws 18 to secure the proper grip. The shaft 18 carries a gear 19 which meshes with the gear 2l carried by the shaft 14. T here is further Asecured to hoistingr mechanism at the head of the shaft or well has two power shafts l"` Y. Fig. 5. the foi-nier driven suitably from a source of power. as by a driving pulley l". and the latter .shaft capable of being coupled to be driven from the former. Thus on the shaft Y is loosely mounted a gear Y. adapted to be clutched to the said shaft by a clutch deand forward of the back series of supportgears D3, D4, D5, ICSPCCtVely, 'll'lCll mesh v0 ing cables is a series of endless control cables wlth the beveled pinions D` D7, DS, respec- IT, U, l'. one to each cage. supported respectively. the said pinioiis being respectively tively, at the top by independent sheaves or mounted upon the vertical shafts D9, D, pulleys K, li. K2 Fig. 4. and passing around D. The sheaves l1. b4, b5, are mounted .30 sheaves or pulleys at the bottom. and each upon shafts E, E', EL', similar in construc- 9o' vcontrol -cable adapted to be engaged by a tion and arrangement to the shafts D, D, suitable control device carried by one of the D, and similarly provided with beveled cages. As shown in Fig. 5, each control gears E", ll. E5. The movements of the cable-sheave is provided with teeth u2, vertical shafts D", D, D. are transmitted adapted to engage between links u, u, conby means of horizontal shafts (l. d, d2, and 135 Stitutino the adjacent part of the control by a second set of vertical shafts d". d2 d5, cable, tie remaining portion being in the all provided with suitable. pairs of beveled orm of a llat band n3. As shown in Figs. J gears 1. 11, E". ly this construction vit and 10, the hand-controlled device is a handF will be obvious that when movement is ini- 40 wheel 26 within the cage. On the outside of parted to the shafts l), D, U2, ille SllilftS E, i? each cage is a bracket 12 in which are mount- E', E, will be similarly rotated; each two ed two short parallel shafts or rollers 13, 14, correspondingr shafts will be timed to move which carry opposite rollers 15. 1G` respectogether and each pair ofhoisting cables will .'tively, adapted to grip the shifting cable `be operated simultaneously with like etl'ect which controls the operating mechanism of upon the cage carried thereby. i .i

.tif

the shaft 14 a beveled gear 22. In the frame vice y, Fig. 2l. which is operated by hand, 1"-0 of the cage is mounted a shaft .23 on which a hand-lever being shown. The gear Y is mounted at one end a mutilated beveled meshes with the gear Y, which is loosely gear 24 provided with a smooth surface at mounted on thel outer end of a shaft if. The 25, and at the inner end of the Shaft 23 is rear Y: meshes with a gear Y3 and the gear 6 mounten the hand-controlled wheel 26. By '1* with a gear Y. the gears Y and l" b 1- 13") turning the hand-controlled wheel the assoing mounted on short. stub axles as show i. -ciated control cable can be moved up .,-;i,li.,f.The. gear Y* meshes with the. gear Y which .down to control, the hoisting mechanism'of is rtmidly keyed to the power shaft F. The that cage tqstop or start in either direction ear thus rotates in the same direction as with ordinary hand-controlled cables, and ls the gear Y (Fig. Upon the shaft F 13C are loosely mounted three gears whefl f', f2, each of which may be rigidly connect-- ed with the shaft l" by means of a sui clutch mechanism indicated ait-f3, ,.f, f these gears f, f', f2, engage respect gears (i, G', l, which are respectively keyed t0 the shafts l), D. D. It will be seen that by o erationr the clutch fs he gear f is connecte( to rotate Vwith the shaft l and rotates the gear G, and the shaft l) and drives sheaves b, Il, and elevat'es the cage .L In like manner the proper adjustment of the clutches at f, f5, may connect either gear f or f-A with the shaft F to opera assmfiated cage. (ln the shaft Y, Fig. c, v mounted gears Z. Z", ZL', which run loowli on said shaft Y and are adapted to be clutched thereto by thc action ol' clude mechanisms at 2, 2", z2, and intern'iediaie :the gears Z. Z', Z and the gears G. (if: are gears It, L, ./L, so that if any one of the clutches at z. 2', ze, is adjusted to clutch .-ts gear to the shaft Y, that. gear will l1-iw, lac gear (fr, or (i2 and its shaft iu a direrhon reverse of that imparted from the shaft i", and the associated cage will be lowered,

The various clutches may be operaic or any suitable means from the control zievii-v. or, as best shown in Fig. (i, the clutches ai il f, fr', are respectively operated from lim-rs N. and the clutches at .2', @u by lcwrs and theA levers N, 2' carry each a curved rack 2*. Figs. 5 and G, which gears throng@ a pinion N or Z, with a IL'ear m.. 'nf or mf'. Fig. 4. so that on rotatingl either oi' sind gears the associated leversI will ha so radar-l that one gear will be clutched to one power shaft F as thc other is unclutehed fiom he other power shaft Y and both canina in; in connection with the source of power el 'ilu same time.

The dilierent gears fm1. m', me ari` per ated from the different control devices as follows: The pulleys K, K. K2. Fig. 4. are mounted on the ends of three sauce-atrio shafts k. in. la?. one shaft surroiuuinifr the other in a manner before described in refer ence to the shafts D, D', DE, 0n the;A atherends of the shafts L', k', 1.12. are bevel gears L. L'. Lz which engage beveled gears s., if', 5f. carried by vertical shafts M. Wl', lvl, upon the upper ends of which are the toothed wheels m, m', mi'. so that the. latter are Aturned by turning the pulleys' l. li. ii?, by the ham-eontrolled devices in the "aires, xmd'the cages thus put into cminectiooY with either of the driving shafts F or Y al' .the

willl of the operator. To apply bra to hold the in* an arrested position ach ll'hen the gear is revolved in tion from its central posltlon tightened on the brake wheel cage A, the operation of A is as follows:-'l`he clutch y is .twl zo to key the gear Y to the shaft i' which thereafter continuously revolves in same direction as the shaft F. As the rage approaches the terminal where it is to slop the operator operates the hand-wheel 'l: the rollers'y 15 and 1.6 are thus rotated nd pull 'un or down upon the control belt Q and @he cs-scciated" shifting sheave K is has .rotatfal :in one direction or the other. le, fasc it rotated in the direction of the arriva'. Fig. the effect is to throw the :issoci.ftml rluteh at f3 out of engagement and to apply the brake. thus stopping,r the cage. lf the hand-wheel 26 be now rotated still farther in the saine direction the brakelmid will be slackened and reu'ioved from its, pulley. and the gear m will likewise be.

l`,'irther rotated. and through the pinion 23, nimmt and lever a and clutch at 2, the :.r .l will heroine keyed to the shaft Y and rudi i fate with said shaft and transmit its mov man i. through the loosely mounted gear and nur (l to the shaft D, rotating the latter in a .lirccl'ion reverse to that of the serious rotation. andl the cage A, having ,n criously ascended, will commence to deceurl Thus in the operation of these control devices Shere will he ascending and descending positions and a mean or normal point ir; 'which the cage is stationary, thc shaft .ll lrciugr disconnected from both .marcw nl' power, but then being retained in noo-rotatable position by its brake. If the said devices he operated in one direction from their neutral or intermediate position ary position will `preferably be shown upon the landazontrclled mechanism of the cage. as i: rilancia, by thereon a fixed dial rfgirrating with the hand-wheel 26.

From the above it will be obvious that tim or naar olA the cages, one always above the other. may be used to reciprocate in the same hatfdiway of suflieient length, between any rlosired sets of terminals, and that when desired either cage may be carried beyond the ternxinai point of movement of the other cage or rages. There may thus be a highrise and low-rise Cage, and the upper 'cage might. he used as an express cage, and the lower cage, as a local cage in ascending and vice in descending; or the upper faire might run to the ton floor of the buildis 5 and, bail; to its terminal while the lower afge rims; part way up and back between rent terminals, or the. upper cage may be used only between the upper floors, and the lower cage or cages between the lower floors. Various such modifications in the moving of two or more cages upon the reciprocating plan in one of the shafts may be effected. Theniultiple cage system might be arranged with entirely separate sources of power actuating the several cages, respectively.

Distancia!) mecham8ms.-While the multiple cage system may be constructed either with or without distancing mechanism by which one cage is automatically prevented from approaching too close to or colliding with another, I will now describe features some of' which although specially devised for use with a double well system when the cages trwel in one direction may be employed in connection with the above dcscribed features. There is a series of traveling cables w mounted upon freely rotating sheaves vv and each connected to travel with one of the cages and each carries a stop .fr pin ur" or other suitable contact device at a predetermined distance from the cage and where its contact with devices on the approaching,r cage will cause the operation of the arresting means connected with that cage.

As illustrated in Figs. li?, 13 and 14 the rages are provided with different devices for coacting with the different stopping, starting and traveling cables, for as said cables are arranged in different positions this necessitates a somewhat different arrangement of the parts upon the different cables. In Fig. 12 is shown the arrangement of parts in connection with the upper cage A2 in which, as vith all the other cages. there is a lateral projection or support T4. The said support is provided with means for connecting the cage permanently with its traveling cable 1c. the same consisting of parallel disks X', between which is conne -t ed the traveling cable r:c of' said cage. The support 1" is provided with a clamping flange 'l"" opposite a clamping flange T upon the section 'l of' a sectional sleeve X, the section 'l`7 sliding without turning, while the other section X2 is capable of rotation but limited in itlongitudinal motion by a collar X4 ke'ved to the support Tf. The rotatable section X2 of' the sleeve X is provided with separated annular flanges X3 having serrated or groovcd inner faces adapted to engage the cross pin w5 upon the traveling cable Ize of another cage. and the proximate ends of' the two sections T7, X2 of the sleeve X are beveled so that the rotation of the section X2 will force the section T7 toward the flange T5. The other cage A which reciprocates with the cage A2 in the same well has upon its support T 2 a sleeve in two sections, the inner section in this cafe being rotatable and provided with separated serrated flanges X3 receiving between them the traveling cable Qc connected with the upper cage A2 in the same shaft. The outer section T7 of the sleeve X is adapted to slide without turning upoir the support T4 and is provided with a cable u* attached between flanges X and with a flange T opposite a flange T5 upon the support T4, and the proximate ends of the two sections T1, X2 are beveled so that the turning of the section X2 will force the section TT outward. Upon the support '1" of the cage A are opposite flanges X between which is connected the cable fu: traveling with said cage A', and there is a sleeve X in two sections with proximate inclined faces. one section carrying the serrated flanges X3 between which passes a traveling cable uf. which as shown is the actuating cable of the cage A and is available if' the cars are operated continuously in both shafts. In connection with the appliances upon each cage the control cable U of that cage passes between the clamping flanges T5, T, and in order that the operator in that cage may clamp its control cable between said flanges I provide a lever T2, the operation of which effects this result. As shown tte said lever carries a slotted cam t2, into the slot of which extends a pin t3 the movement of which longitudinal to the support T1 will carry one of the clamping flanges toward the other. In Fig. 12 the pin Ts is upon the collar t between two separated flanges f2v upon a sleeve T3 which passes through the support T* which in this case is hollow and carries the section T7 of the sleeve X, and the swinging of the le\ er T2 will thus carry the sleeve t* inward and the flange T toward the flange T5 to clamp the control cable U. In the construction shown in Fig. 14 the pin t2 is upon a link t which is pivoted to a ring t* between the flanges t5 which are upon the section X2 of the sleeve X so that the movement of the lever will carry both sections of the sleeve longitudinally to effect the clamping and unclamping of the control cable U of the cage A. In the cage A the sliding section T of the sleeve X is connected with the sliding sleeve T 2 as in cage A2.

Referring now especially to the operations in connection with the cages A, A2, shown as being in the same shaft, assuming that the cage A is ascending and that the cage A2 is at rest, when the cage A approaches close enough to the cage A2 for the pin w upon the cable lw of the cage A2 to enter between the serrated flanges X3 of the cage A, it will engage the seri-ations of said flanges, and as the cage A ascends the pin ws being then stationary, the rotatable section of the sleeve X will be turned so as to force the other section with its flange T" toward the flange T5 and thus clamp the control cable U of the cage A and carry the said cable upward with the cage A and arieet the. movement of the latter, the uniflamping of the said cable being subsequently effected, when desired, 1oy the movement of the iiwci' T2. We assume the upper cage ,if to lie traveling' downward and the lower esige to be traveling upward, a pin 'fi/if upon die traveling cable fw, connected with the up per cage by its engagement with the dangers Xa of the cage A,`Will'tiiiii the sectifin X2 of the sleeve and clain the cable l? ot' cage A and thereby shiit the devices no t arrest the upward travel of the cage A. ln order to start the arrested cage the operator must separate the clamps by operating; the lever T2 'when the control cable may he shifted hy means of the hand wheel "26. It may be added that the distancing mechanism will not come into operation very frequently, since ordinarily the operators will run the cars in .such a manner that they 'will remain a proper distance apart, l have Shown the shaft T concentricA with and extending tlirough the support 4 and carry-- ing at the inner end a pinion t engaging a rack t upon the lever T 2, and at the outer end of the shaft T is an eccentric V which extends 'into a channel 1:2 in a guide strip V* at the side of the Wheel, the rocking of this eccentric V, when the lever is moved to clamp the control device und arrest the cageD securing a braking effect.

I do not here claim the detailed features of this forni ot' distaiic'iiig apparatus which is especially adapted for that class of .fippnratiis Where the engen travel in one direction, but describe the .saine to illiiatriitemeans of embodying the broad idea ot con trolling one cage of the series of iiidepend` ently operated cages freni the other cages.

Although l have shown and described but one l'oi'in of construction aiiil arrangement of .Sonie of the features of the apparatus l do not limit myself to parmi-iilar forni, und it will he evident that euch multiple cage system may he constructed either with or without mechanism for distaneing the several. cages, and that auch mechanism .may he entirely dill'erent iii form and arrangement from what has been described and Whether applied to the reciprocating system alone or to the svetein in which the cages travel in one `iction in one course, or hoth.

Uounerbalancinr; mechanism. U pon three drains H, El. H2', Fig. 3, wenn@ the cables of counterhalanciiig weights X, Fig. 3, and these drinne are mounted and keyed upon three :'onceiitric shafts 7i, it", k2, of different lengths, the ,sli-aft i?? turn'- ing in hearings of the fraiiieworli. Upon the shafts i, i are loosely mounted two gear Wheels it, L, and the gear f is connected to its shaft and meshes with and is actuated by the gear (l carried hy the shalt Il. when i sind .i driving pulleys f their pnlleyfav cach f with the saine. 'Cf' ratos ol' this ci l do iioil 'here envio any if the features liti-ein showin :iisd i V'oi'tli in my application Serial No. .i lili', Afor a System where the cages travel i i ioiii'iifeted shafts, and of which thie application is a division, nor the particular details` connected 'with the dis.- tiincing means set forth in divisional applications Serial Nos. /ilfll and 420,194.

W'itlioiit limiting myself to the precise constructions and arrangements of parts Shown, I claim ae in invention:

l. The coiiihiiiaion in an elevator apparatus of a series ol' Tes in the same line of travel, two suspenso s for each cage, supporting pulleys lor said silspeiisories, and means whereby the .-:aid pulleys are connected to turn together and motor driving menne and connectigiiis for independently driving the said supporting pulleys.

Q. In an elevator System the combination of a series of cag ineens independent of the for sappi ing thcin to travel one aliove the other, im: '-1 whereby each may he driven indepenile. illy ofthe others, and appliances connected 7with said driving ineens hereby to prevent the cages from colliding.

3Q The combination with a series of independently supported cages one above the other and with actuating mechanism at one end oi'1 the well for imparting vertical movenii-nts to :ill Such ii of appliances connected 'with siii!! ci, and actuating mechanism. for arres the said actuating mechanii-xiii to prevent the cages from c01- Heling.

l. In an elevator eystein, elevator cages adapted to inox/e in the saine course, means :ii'lapeil 'to suspend nach cage independently, .lii'iiating inccliaiiii-:iiii.y and means for connectin@Y each siislrieiiiilingr means with and disconnecting it .ti-oni the ,said hoisting mechanism.

5. In an elevato@ .L5/stein, a plurality of adapted to more in line with each other in the same i; Hirse, iiiechaiiisin independent oin the cai, ,lapted to move each of the oagiffs indcpeiinently, and mechanism adapted to checli; cach frage on approaching within a predetermined distance of the preceding cage. n

6. .ln er levatei system, a pluralityv of 'tages adapted to more in line with each other in the same course, means for s uspending each cage independently, hoisting mechanism independent of the cages, means for connecting and disconnecting each sus-I pending means from the hoisting meehanism, and means adapted to check each cage as it approaches within a predetermined distance of another.

7 In an elevator system, a plnralityof cages adapted to move in line with each other in the same course, hoisting shafts journaled in stationary bearings and connected to operate the cages, .mechanism whereby each hoisting shaft is connected with a source of power, and mechanism whereby to break such connection upon any cage approaching within a predetermined distance of another.

8. The combination in an elevator system of a seiies of cages independently supported in line with each other to travel in the saine course, an operating mechanism comprising two shafts, and means whereby said shafts can drive the supporting mechanism of the cages in different directions, and control devices within the cages and connecting means whereby the supporting means may be put into operative connection with either of said shafts.

9. The combination in an elevator system of a series of cages independently supported in line with each other to travel in the same course, an operating mechanism comprising two shafts and means whereby said shafts can drive the supporting mechanism of the cages in different directions, and control devices within the cages and connecting means whereby the supporting means may be put into operative connection with either of said shafts, and distancing mechanism whereby said connections may be broken to prevent the cages from colliding.

10. In a device of the class described, the combination of a. plurality of cages independently suspended, a driving mechanism always operated in one direction, means .for independently lconnecting and disconnecting each of said cages with the driving mechanism to control their starting and stopping, and controlling mechanism between said cages and the driving mechanism whereby the cages may be reciprocated from the continuously forward movement of the driving mechanism.

11. In :i device of the class described, the combination of a plurality of cages, a driving mechanism always operated in one direction, means for connecting and disconnecting said cages with the driving mecha- Iiisin to control their starting and stopping,

I and controlling mechanism between the driving mechanism and said'cages whereby thcv may be reciprocatcd from the con tiniiously-forward inovennnt of the driving mechanism.

1Q. In an elevator system, the combination of two separately-controllable cars operating between different sets of terminals inv the;

of a high-risc and a low-rise car operating.

between different sets of terminals in the same shaft, and means for preventing said cars from colliding. v

16. In an elevator system, the combination of two cars operating between different sets of terminals in the same shaft` and means whereby they actuating mechanism of one is controlled by the other 17. In an elevator system, the combination of a high-rise and a low-rise car operating between different sets of terminals in the saine shaft, and means whereby the actuating mechanism of one is controlled according to the position of the other.

18. In an elevator system, the combination of two cars operating in both directions in one shaft, one car bein lat all times above the other, and means or preventing said cars from colliding.

19. In an elevator system, the combination of two cars operating in the same Shaft from different terminals, the upper car haying its lower terminal at a {ioor above the lower terminal of the other car, and at all times remaining above said other cai'7 and means for preventing said cars from colliding.

20.' In an elevator system, the combination of a plurality of cages within the same shaft,

independent suspensories for the several` cages, motor operating mechanism for moving the suspensories in different directions, and independent control devices on the different cages, and connections between the saine and the operating means for stopping and starting the cages and for changing their direction of travel.

21. In an elevator system, the combination of two cars operating between different terminals in one Shaft, one car being always above the other, means permitting operation of one or both cars simultaneously in the same direction, and means for automatically stopping the overtaking car when it is ay predetermined distance from the other.

22. In an elevator system, the combination of two cars operating between different sets always above the other, and means whereby the lower car cannot move upward until the upper car has moved a predetermined distance from said lower car.

23. In an elevator apparatus, the combination of a shaft, a plurality of independently-actuated cars in said shaft` said shaft having a portion which is common to the travel of all of said cars in both directions, manual mechanism on each car for controlling it in both directions, and automatic mechanism for preventing one car from approaching another car within a predetermined distance thereof'.

24. In an elevator system, the combination in a single shaft, of two elevators adapted to operate in both directions between 'difl'erent terminals and having separate cable-connected counterweights, independent actuating and controlling mechanism for said elevators, and coacting connections between said elevators whereby the car of one elevator is stopped when it comes within a predetermined distance of that of the other.

25. In an elevator apparatus a plurality of independently supported cages, control devices connected with each cage, and means connected to travel with each cage at a distance therefrom to contact with and shift the control devices of an approaching cage to arrest the latter, yand constructed to release said control devices as the cage approached resumes its movement.

26. In an elevator apparatus, a plurality of cages, means for independently supporting the same to travel independently in a common path, control devices connected to be operated from each cage, a cable connected to travel with each cage, and a stop; device carried by each cable in position to contact with and operate the control devices of an approaching cage.

27. In an elevator a paratus, a lurality of suspended indepen ently movab e cages control devices ,connected to be operated from the different cages, a cable connected to travel with each ceage and provided with a stop device arrang to contact with and to operate the control devices of an approaching cage. f:

28. In an elevator system, the combination with two cars independently movable both up and down in the same shaft and means for independently actuating and controlling them, of a running rope extending from one car to and beyond the other car, and mechanism for stopping the moving car operated by the rope when the cars reach a predetermined distance apart.

29. In an elevator system the combination with two cars independently movable both up and down in the same sha and means for independently actuating an controlling them, of an endless running rope common to,both cars extending from top to bottom ofthe shaft, and mechanism for stopping the vmoving'car operated by the rope when the cars reach a predetermined distance apart.

30. In an elevator system, the combination with two cars independently movable both up and down in the same shaft,.means for independently actuating ,them and means including a controller, having a shaft, on each car for independently controlling them, of a running rope extending from one car to and beyond the other car, and mechanism operated by the rope when the cars reach a predetermined distance apart for moving the controller shaft to stop position.

In testimony whereof I aix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES D. SEEBERGER. Witnesses:

GEORGE H. Romains, L. RICHARDS. 

